Summer in Calaveras: Unwind, indulge or both

If you haven’t gotten a chance for a summer escape yet, it’s time. And here’s the perfect Murphys-based getaway that could be waiting for you if you’ve only got one night…

For breakfast on the go grab a strong coffee, a homemade everything bagel with cream cheese (and maybe a sweet treat too) from Aria Bakery in Murphys.

Then hop in the car for a peaceful 20-minute drive through the pines to the town of Dorrington for easy access to the wild and scenic Stanislaus River via the Sourgrass Recreation Area off Boards Crossing Road. Grab a rock upstream and zone out to the rushing waters of the river, or crack open a good book and just enjoy. Bring your swimsuit along if you think you might be up for a dip in the refreshing mountain runoff.

Make your way back to Murphys for lunch at Magnolia Cafe. Grab a seat on their patio, and settle in with an ice cold glass (or bottle!) of local wine. Try the oh-so-good Summer Veggie Sandwich.

Need to walk that off? Peruse the shops of Murphys. Poke your nose into Piazza for great gifts and unique home treasures, Creative Cookware for that kitchen gadget you didn’t know you needed, and Animal Kingdom, a one-of-the-kind boutique for pet-lovers.

If it’s starting to get warm out there, duck into the quirky and cool (literally) cellar at Zucca Wines. Get a jumpstart on dessert with a spoonful of Ghirardelli dark chocolate and a taste of their Syrah Port.

Spoil your inner foodie with a dinner that challenges your palette at Mineral, an intimate restaurant featuring haute vegetarian cuisine like you’ve never seen. Start with the Aphrodisiac, a bubbly delight, and order the “burger” for a mind-boggling and tasty adventure.

Hunt down some local tunes to finish your night. A handful of emerging musicians, like The Experimentalist, Grover Anderson and Nicholas Lefler, are on the scene and can often be found playing at one of the local establishments or wineries. Murphys Community Park also hosts First Fridays in the Park at the beginning of each month.

Calaveras County is a four-season travel destination located in California’s beautiful Gold Country and spectacular High Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. Just 2-1/2 hours from San Francisco and 3-1/2 hours from San Jose, Calaveras is your affordable weekend getaway with award-winning Sierra Foothills wineries and unlimited recreational opportunities. Check our events calendar to see what’s happening right now! Exploring the state? Click on the Visit California logo above to find more fun and adventure.